Gender roles and conflict among Lebialem immigrant families in the USA

Abstract

This paper explores the effects of contemporary thinking on autonomy and independence against a background of the traditional values of some immigrant families in the USA from Lebialem, a traditional society in Cameroon Republic. I argue that new gender consciousness in a new host society culture is not necessarily incompatible with marriage. Centered on gender roles among Lebialem immigrant households in the USA, the article examines the different experiences of four households representing the trends in this immigrant community that has used a new cultural environment of reversed roles to either become torn apart or to find new strength and prosperity. The study concludes by asserting that feminism is not about women becoming men, but rather about women finding their voices, silenced for very long, in many male-dominated traditional societies. In mediating conflicts that have arisen among many immigrant families over a period of 10 years, the analysis is based on the wisdom of flexibility in experiential living. In this connection, it is claimed that a man can be present at home and useful to his spouse and children without being perceived in a woman's traditional role.